Wildfire displaces hundreds from Dene Tha' First Nation in northern Alberta

A wildfire burning out of control in northwesternAlberta has pushed out hundreds of residents fromDene Tha' First Nation, 800 kilometres northwest of Edmonton.

Chief and council issued an evacuation order Monday night for members ofBushe River, where the fire spanning nearly 80,000 hectares burned about four kilometres away.

By Tuesday, residents were also being evacuated from the community's neighbouringreserves.

• Northern Alberta wildfire ranked at highest danger level, conditions expected to worsen

Chief James Ahnassaysaid300 residents from Meander River are on the move after power lines were destroyed by the fire. Anevacuation order was issued Tuesday afternoon.

While the fire itself isn't threatening residents inChateh, children, elders and those with respiratory conditions are being moved outbecause of the thick smoke.

"The bottom line is that people's safety is of the utmost importance," said Ahnassay, speaking to CBC by phone from the command centre in Bushe. "So even though we suffer for a bit, fortwo or three days, we're hoping it's not going to be more than 72 hours. But one never knows."

Ahnassay said more than 200 Bushe River residents are now staying in neighbouring communities such asHigh Prairie, Slave Lake, Peace River and Beaver Lake Cree Nation. They're being put up in hotels, community centres and gyms, or with family and friends.

Angelene Tsonchoke and her family have been on high alert for the past two days. On Tuesday, sheloaded up two vehicles with the bare necessities and her eightgrandchildren, aged15 to five months.

"We're just taking clothes and blankets that's it," said Tsonchoke, who left behind her home of nearly three decades. "We don't know what we're going to come back to."

The Dene Tha's Facebook page is posting frequent updates about theevacuation orders, routes out of the community, and places to stay.

Hay River Reserve and La Crete Heritage Centre are among the list of additional communities that have set up reception centres where evacuees can findfood and shelter.

"We would like to thank the outlying communities for their support, it is very much appreciated, we extend our heartfelt appreciation," the administrator wrote.